The United Kingdom is a big country with many people. Many young people there use social media every day. They like to use apps like TikTok and Instagram. They look at photos and watch short videos. However, the UK government is worried about children. They want children to be safe when they go online. Because of this, the government has a new plan.
The Prime Minister and the Education Secretary say that social media can be dangerous for young people. They say that some things on the internet make children feel bad. Research shows that many hours on apps can hurt a child's feelings. It can also be unsafe to talk to people who are not friends. Famous people use these apps, but young children do not always know what is real and what is fake.
The new rule says that children under 16 years old will be banned from social media. This rule will start in the year 2027. This means young teenagers will not have accounts on TikTok or Instagram. The government wants children to grow up without the risks of the internet. They want them to play outside or talk to friends in person instead.
Many parents agree with the new rule. They are worried about their children's sleep and school. They want their children to use the internet safely. Tech companies must follow this rule. They will check the age of users very closely. Users might need to show an ID or use a credit card to prove they are adults.
Some people say it is hard to stop messaging apps. Other countries have similar rules, but it is not always easy to change how people use phones. The UK government thinks this is important for the future. They want to make the internet a better place for everyone. Families will learn more about this rule before 2027.